Following an impressive turnout for Emerson College Quidditch’s 2014 fall combine were tryouts for the league’s World Cup team. The team, finding tremendous success its 2013-14 season with a Final Four run at World Cup VII, hoped to find promising talent to add to their 2014-15 roster. However, unlike last year’s tryouts, the World Cup team held joint tryouts with the Boston Riot. The Boston Riot, to those who aren’t familiar, is a community team* affiliated with Emerson College. They surprised the quidditch community with an underdog inaugural season, qualifying for World Cup VI at the 2012 Northeast Regional Championship. However, last season the team failed to compete in IQA official tournaments due to a lack of clear direction and leadership.

This year’s joint tryouts might be what the Riot needs to revitalize. Approximately 40 players participated in the two-day tryout process on September 13th and September 14th. World Cup captains Leeanne Dillmann, David Fox, and Tyler Trudeau watched alongside Riot captains Sean Clampett and Louie Contino as tryouts panned out. The first day of tryouts had players go through position-specific drills, sprints and conditioning, and scrimmages. Day two of tryouts was by invitation of either team; World Cup held their tryouts first, followed by the Riot. After day two, which was different for both teams, captains met separately to carefully craft their rosters for the season.

The complete rosters for both teams are listed at the end of this article, but here’s a quick analysis for those who these names mean nothing (…yet). Following a large loss of players to graduation, the World Cup team is bringing back a fair amount of players including Lyle Thomes, Jake Hines, Maggie Noren, Capri DeBiccari, and Nathaniel Charles. The team also brought back Pablo Calderón Santiago, Todd Michell, and Paulina Pascual, who will all be leaving the team at the end of the fall semester due to graduation and external study programs. Familiar faces from the Riot include Tim Lawson, Z Kuester, and Austin Mohn, while Lindsay Geller and Dan Goldberg are familiar from fantasy tournaments this past summer.

Meanwhile, the Boston Riot has built a roster basically from scratch, but there are some notable names on there as well. Besides the team’s captains, the only returning players to the Riot are Alex Uriati, who played during the team’s inaugural season, and Emily Yumkas, who played with the team last season. And it’s important to note the addition of Eli Page and Griffin Conlogue; the former played for ECQ while the latter was on Q.C. Boston: The Massacre. Both can be expected to bring athleticism and experience as the team gets back on its feet. The rest of their roster is filled with familiar faces from ECQ’s intramural league, including Becca Chairin, Dan Makie, Daniel Marti, Jamie Ahlborn, Jez Insalaco, Kieran Collier, Lindsey Simpson, Lui Fenty, Rachelle Martin, and Vernon Lickfeld.

Both teams have a handful of new faces to Emerson College Quidditch and quidditch as a whole. While ECQ has their returning players to count on, they also have a variety of talent they’ll need to train into the team that always sees repeat success. The Boston Riot may have an easier time with creating a team identity, but it will also take a lot of work if the team is to achieve what its captains have hopes for. Regardless, here’s to the new faces of ECQ and the return of the Riot!

Interested in running Emerson College Quidditch? Well you’re in luck. We are seeking enthusiastic members for our 2014-2014 Executive Board! All members of Emerson College Quidditch are eligible to run for a position on our Executive Board.

You can submit your nomination using this Google Form. You can submit your name for nomination for as many positions as you want, but please submit only one nomination per form. All nominations are due by midnight on Tuesday, April 15th. Please note that holding a position on our Executive Board requires attendance at weekly meetings. If you have any questions about any of the positions listed, send an email to info@emersonquidditch.org. Read on for descriptions of each position, taken from our Constitution. We look forward to receiving your nominations!

Commissioner:
The Commissioner is a moderator who oversees the League and Gameplay Division as well as the Executive Board (E-Board). The Commissioner creates the season schedule for the Intramural League as well as serves as the primary liaison to officials, advisors, and other figures outside of the organization. They are responsible for setting the agenda for general executive meetings, acting as the final resolution for conflict and issues concerning the organization, and assisting other members of the E-Board with Intramural League management and other projects.

Vice President:
The Vice President assists the Commissioner in any and all ways, attending all meetings with the Commissioner. They are responsible for working with other divisions to ensure that teams have practice time and space, as well as time and space for outdoor organization-wide events (such as Intramural League games). This may include obtaining permits for field space near and around Emerson College. It is the Vice President’s responsibility to act as the Commissioner during his/her absence, assist in day-to-day logistical workings of the organization, and assist other members of the E-Board with Intramural League management and other projects.

Treasurer:
The Treasurer manages all monetary concerns by creating annual budgets and expecting incomes while also documenting all expenses. The Treasurer approves all purchases, coordinates efforts between the Gameplay Division and Administrative Board in order to ensure the organization has the necessary funds for various projects, events, and gameplay. The Treasurer assists the Sales/Marketing Director in fundraising efforts while also assisting other members of the E-Board with Intramural League management and other projects. The Treasurer must get all paperwork signed by the Commissioner.

Logistics Coordinator:
The Logistics Coordinator is responsible for taking and managing minutes at E-Board meetings, organizing logistical paperwork, setting up meetings and reserving meeting space on campus, compiling and maintaining a membership binder with all necessary paperwork, maintaining and updating contact information for all members, and assisting other members of the E-Board and organization with Intramural League management and other projects.

Sales/Marketing Director:
The Sales/Marketing Director oversees and manages all marketing efforts, which include promotions/events, advertising, and social media. To effectively raise awareness of ECQ with Emerson College and the Boston area, the Sales/Marketing Director also collaborates with the Media Director and Communications Director. The Sales/Marketing Director also serves as the event coordinator for the organization, organizing at least two non-gameplay events per semester, as well as the end-of-semester Banquet & Elections.

Media Director:
The Media Director oversees and manages all photo and video aspects of the organization. This may include organizing photographers and videographers to document Intramural League gameplay, editing photos and videos, and putting together promotional material. The Media Director works with the Communications Director, the Sales/Marketing Director, the Social Media Manager, and the Webmaster to supply photo and video material when necessary.

Communications Director:
The Communications Director oversees and manages all communication efforts produced by the organization. This may include organizing newsletters and organization-wide emails, helping answer questions from outside press interested in learning about quidditch and ECQ, and assisting other members of the E-Board and organization with Intramural League management and other projects. They are also responsible for maintaining a record of the organization’s history. The Communications Director works with the Media Director and Sales/Marketing Director to compile content for newsletters, social media, and the website. The Communications Director is also responsible for putting together a team that writes articles on all Intramural League games, as well as other events.

Gameplay Director:
The Gameplay Director manages all gameplay matters which includes scheduling games and practice times, organizing refs and snitches, overseeing training of refs and snitches, and overseeing equipment with help from the Equipment Manager. They are also responsible for ensuring that players are knowledgeable of gameplay rules and conduct. The Gameplay Director is responsible for reviewing Appendix II (Emerson College Quidditch Rulebook) each season and proposing changes for the E-Board to vote upon.

Equipment Manager:
The Equipment Manager ensures that all equipment is accounted for and functioning, that equipment is out on the field for Intramural League games and other events, and makes requests to the Treasurer and Commissioner for additional equipment purchases. The Equipment Manager is also responsible for fixing broken equipment, or finding someone capable of fixing broken equipment, in a timely fashion as to not hinder practices and Intramural League games.

Intramural League Captains:
The Intramural Captains are the leaders of the individual Intramural League teams which are as follows: Boylston Berserkers, Faneuil Falcons, Jamaica Plains Jaguars, Old North Outlaws, Park Street Pulverizers, and South End Slothbears. Intramural League teams have a near equivalent number of players. For every team there must be two captains, and only one captain may play on the field at a time to ensure objectivity of the game. Intramural Captains will draft their team at the beginning of the season, organize practices, educate player members on the game of quidditch, and lead their teams in sportsmanlike gameplay against other Intramural League teams.

The following individuals will be running for the following Executive Board positions: Gameplay Director, Equipment Manager, Intramural League Captains (Berserkers, Falcons, Jaguars, Outlaws, Slothbears). Please take some time to read their statements regarding their bid for the position. Elections will be held at the Fall Banquet from 6:00pm to 9:00pm in Piano Row L151 on November 24th, 2013. Voting will be in-person at the event; no absentee ballots will be permitted. We look forward to seeing you at elections!

Gameplay Director

Ryan Smythe
The part of Gameplay Director that I am most interested in is snitching (as I am a passionate snitch myself), but I am nearly as interested in is the refereeing aspect. I’ve been in too many games that were negatively affected by bad refereeing, so helping to coordinate the best refs possible at Emerson will hopefully prevent that from happening for House League. On the snitching side, I have experience playing at Regionals, as well as experience gained from working with World Cup snitches. Like bad referees, bad snitches can ruin a great game, and I want to do everything I can to prevent that by training snitches to be the best they can be.

Equipment Manager

Rebecca Contreras
I basically have been equipment manager all semester. I know what problems exist with the equipment & I have plans to make it all run smoother. For example: clear labeling of equipment and a clear schedule of weekly team equipment responsibilities.

Boylston Berserkers Captain

Sean Clampett
My name is Sean Clampett, and I’ve been on the Boylston Berserkers for the past 2 years. I have had the privilege of playing Quidditch in both the intramural and World Cup Level. I never thought I’d say this 2 years ago but Quidditch is now my favorite sport to play and I want to spread this same interest that I’ve developed over the years to these incoming Freshman, and new upper class players. By running for the captain position, I want to have the same effect that Jo Lam, Cassie Samuels, and Patrick Sheehy had on me when I first began to play. With the Boston Riot taking a one year hiatus from competitive tournaments (FIRE FIRE FIRE) I can put 100% focus on leading the Berserkers, and that’s a challenge I can’t wait to tackle. Jordan Rumms is my boy, so VOTE for him too. Team Jamaica Munnnnn

Jordan Rummel
Since Freshman year I have put my blood, sweat, and tears into the Berserkers. This is a team of heart, determination, and talent–a legacy I hope to continue as co-captain. It is time for the cup to return to where it belongs; in the unyielding grasp of the Boylston Berserkers. As a co-captain, I will make sure our team remains unmatched as a family and quidditch power-house. I can’t wait to join you all in the spring.

Faneuil Falcons Captain

Sean Cardwell
I absolutely love quidditch, and I had been dying to play since before I started applying to college. (Don’t tell my parents but one of the reasons I chose Emerson was Quidditch.) I’m eager to teach people and develop my own skills as a player. I plan to bring a fun yet competitive perspective to the pitch.

Daniel Goldberg
My name is Daniel Goldberg, and I am running for Faneuil Falcon Captain. When I came to Emerson, I knew Quidditch would be my sport. While I hadn’t played organized sports since the days of picking dandelions on the soccer pitch pre-middle school, I had spent the past few years consistently working out and running, and Quidditch would be a place to strut my stuff. It was a lot harder than I thought. Of course, the physical challenge of Quidditch has been a crucial part of my life in college so far—we tend to only understand ourselves by pushing at limits. I have worked hard to put forth as much effort as possible when I am on the field. The physical work is only one part, however.
It the leadership aspects that I have shown that will help me as Captain. I have experience: when a captain was unavailable during a game, I stepped in as temporary co-captain. During my first full Falcon Family dinner, I developed the concept of selling meth candy. When the project began, I headed a team of people to work for hours going floor-by-floor to sell. The fundraiser not only raised a good deal of money, but was also an iconic team-bonding experience. This type of leadership is only the beginning. Throughout the first season, I have shown my love for both my team and the sport. As Captain, I will continue to do so.

Shepard Price
I have loved playing for the Falcons since I started. This team gives off a great atmosphere, and I would love to further that. This team has been one of my favorite experiences in college so far, and I have been devoted to it and loved every second. My experiences with leadership have included roles in High School and here at Emerson, where I am co-founding a political comedy club and radio show. I feel like I have improved over the season, and would love to help new members improve over the winter and help the other Freshmen, while also continuing to improve my own game. I have also taken over winter training for my team, and that has also been a lot of fun, and while we are only two weeks in, I can tell that winter training will be another great experience. I wish to help the Falcons because of how they have helped me, and I want to further the standard of fun that the Falcons give every game. In conclusion, I feel like I should be elected Captain because I wish to further the great experience that is playing for the Faneuil Falcons. Quack, Quack, What.

Jamaica Plain Jaguars Captain

Rebecca Nesi
Hey guys! I’m Rebecca and I am running for Jags captain. I joined in 2012 and ever since my first practice, I’ve been in love with this team. I’ve had my ups and downs, my lack of confidence, and my struggle to improve my game but through it all you have been there for me. I can say that every one of you has helped make me better at my position and you all make me the confident and energetic player that I am proud to be. Spring 2014 is going to be my last semester at Emerson because all good things come to an end aka they are throwing me out into the real world. I know I won’t be around long, but this is my last chance to give back to the one team that I’ve ever truly been a part of. I owe you all so much, this is the least I could do.

Old North Outlaws Captain

Ben Nadeau
This is my last semester of house league Quidditch and I want to help the team go out with a bang. I’ve been captain of the Outlaws before so I know what it takes to help build and grow as team, give equal playing time and put fun above all.

South End Slothbears Captain

Nathaniel CharlesI have toiled for this team. I have gone door-to-door to get people to games, and worked so hard to create an amazing house league experience for every Slothbear. I am always super positive and want to help the Slothbears win the Slothbear way, by being competitive and having a blast all at once. I know I’m still new to Emerson Quidditch, but I promise you, I have the enthusiasm, I’ve learned the strategy, and I’ll bring the passion to every practice and game! I have spent this past semester on the Emerson College Quidditch World Cup team, learning in-depth strategy and techniques that, through practice, could help make the Slothbears an even fiercer and fun-loving team than we already are. I believe wholeheartedly that I can help lead the team in an undefeated season and steer us toward victory in the Griffith Cup. Thank you for your time, and may the mighty Quaffle in the sky always shine down upon you.

Kevin EstavanikTwo weeks before arriving at Emerson, I remember posting a Facebook status about how “I think I am most excited to play muggle quidditch at Emerson than just about everything else”… And now with my first semester at Emerson almost over, that status back in June hit the nail on the head. When I first walked onto the pitch, I immediately fell in love with the game that brought me back to my days of high school football. Along with a new found love for the quick, fast paced gameplay, I found a community that is so welcoming and supportive of its members. The quidditch community at Emerson has kept me coming back every Sunday. Everyone plays quidditch for one reason, the love of the sport. As a Slothbears captain I would continue to make quidditch an event that everyone looks forward to participating in every week. Every Sunday should be a fun two hours that helps you relieve stress from the week. Most importantly, I will help build a true family of Slothbears (that also sleep together) that will work together and bring home the Griffith Cup this coming spring!

Tim Lawson
The Slothbears are the youngest team in the league, which means leadership is especially important right now. We’re still in the process of defining what kind of team we’re going to be, and the upcoming semester is an opportunity to set a pattern of victory on-pitch that our team should be known for. But it’s also important to me that we maintain the fun and friendly spirit that has been a part of being a Slothbear from the start. We may have some competition for best team in the league, but it’s been established: we are the most fun team in the league to be a part of. When I got to Emerson, this team was the first group I joined, and I couldn’t have found a more warm, accepting group of people if I’d tried. Maintaining the bonds and hangouts and parties that have made us all friends is incredibly important to me, and one of my key jobs if I’m made captain. Finally, if I’m given this position, I’m prepared to put the Slothbears first, period. Playing quidditch on a more competitive level is fun, but for me, house league is always what’s made the game such a unique experience at Emerson. I hope to make our corner of the organization the best it can possibly be, and then some.

Interested in running Emerson College Quidditch? We are seeking enthusiastic members to join our Executive Board. All members of Emerson College Quidditch are eligible to run for a position on our Executive Board. The open positions for the spring semester are as follows:

Gameplay Director

The Gameplay Director manages all gameplay matters which includes scheduling games and practice times, organizing refs and snitches, overseeing training of refs and snitches, and overseeing equipment with help from the Equipment Manager. They are also responsible for ensuring that players are knowledgeable of gameplay rules and conduct.

Equipment Manager

The Equipment Manager ensures that all equipment is accounted for and functioning, that equipment is out on the field for Intramural League games and other events, and makes requests to the Treasurer and Commissioner for additional equipment purchases. The Equipment Manager is also responsible for fixing broken equipment, or finding someone capable of fixing broken equipment, in a timely fashion as to not hinder practices and Intramural League games. The Equipment Manager is responsible for finding a suitable place for equipment to be stored. If they are unable to, they are responsible for storing all equipment.

Intramural Captains will draft their team at the beginning of the season, organize practices, educate player members on the game of quidditch, and lead their teams in sportsmanlike gameplay against other Intramural League teams.

If you are interested in running for an Executive Board position, submit your nomination using this Google FormEditor’s Note: nomination submission period closed November 17th at 11:59pm. Please note that you will need to provide a 250 word statement expressing why you are interested in running, which will be posted on the Emerson College Quidditch website for voting members to read. In addition to this statement, please prepare a short speech to be presented at the elections. If you are currently studying at an external or study abroad program, please provide a short video to be played at the elections in lieu of a speech.

Elections will be held at the Fall Banquet from 6:00pm to 9:00pm in Piano Row L151 on November 24th, 2013. More information about the election and voting process will be published as the event date approaches.

The first match of the day pitted the Faneuil Falcons against the Jamaica Plain Jaguars. The Falcons had just suffered a defeat to the Old North Outlaws the previous weekend, while the Jaguars were celebrating a victory over the Boylston Berserkers. However, with another week of practice under both teams’ belts, the day’s matchup would be an interesting one.

Both teams brought everything they had to the pitch for the first game. Despite valiant attempts made by the Falcons, their offense failed to set up strategic passes and missed many of their shot attempts. The Jaguars, on the other hand, played a much faster and tighter offense that resulted in numerous goals. The game ran a little bit longer than expected when the snitch failed to come back to the pitch after the usual allotment of time. This gave the Jaguars many opportunities to rack up points while the Falcons grew tired and couldn’t keep up. Once the snitch finally returned to the pitch, the snitch was quickly snatched and the game ended 30-190* Jaguars.

As the second game started, it was clear that both teams were feeling a bit tired. The Jaguars continued to play the quick and clean offense from the previous game, but the Falcons stepped up quite a bit. Their offense, led by captain Capri DeBiccari, began making smarter passes while their other captain, Lindsay Geller, provided valuable insight from the sidelines. But in the end, the Jaguars snatched the snitch and ended the game 70-120* Jaguars.

While the Falcons may not have seen the success they were hoping for, their second game proved that they have the potential to be a stronger team than they’ve been in the past. It will be interesting to see how they progress. Meanwhile, the fast and clean offense of the Jaguars will definitely be something for other teams to look out for this fall semester. If they continue playing this well, they may be a contender for the spring’s Griffith Cup. Either way, the Falcons and Jaguars played two great games and were a great matchup to start Sunday off with. Great job to both teams!

The first teams to face off in Emerson College Quidditch’s first week were the Park Street Pulverizers and the South End Slothbears. The last time these teams met on the pitch was at the 2013 Griffith Cup, when the Slothbears defeated the Pulverizers to move on in the bracket. Sunday’s matchup would prove to be interesting with a full Slothbear roster and many returning players for the Pulverizers.

As the first game started off, both teams seemed to be stuck in a standstill. Fast turnovers and quick defensive plays from both teams shut down the offense. However, the Slothbears soon started to pick up momentum and before the Pulverizers had a chance to readjust, Slothbear seeker Sean Mack caught the snitch to end the game 100*-10 Slothbears.

The Slothbears continued their dominance on the pitch in the second game. Former captains Jackson Maher and Carlyle Thomes, as well as returner Brian Zanghi, each scored multiple goals. Maggie Noren, a recent addition to the World Cup team, also made a good showing with a goal for the Slothbears. The Pulverizers offense relied mostly on former captain Ben Wessels, as well as returning players Quinn Banford and Alison DeStefano. The game ended with Slothbear seeker Sean Mack snatching the snitch once again, ending the game at 100*-20 Slothbears.

The South End Slothbears proved on Sunday that they are a force to be reckoned with this semester. It will be interesting to see how their full roster and strong offensive style will pan out. And as for the Pulverizers, it seems that some adjustments should be made. If they want to succeed this semester, their offense and defense will both need to step it up. Regardless, Sunday’s matchup was a good one, and it set the tone for a great semester of quidditch.

Last Sunday Emerson College Quidditch held its combine on the Boston Commons. Over sixty interested students attended the event, and another thirty signed up for the blind draft; a phenomenal turnout for the organization. The prospective athletes at the Combine ran through drills, practiced basic strategy, and played in a few games so they could show off their skills. Captains from each of ECQ’s six intramural teams were in attendance and took careful notes on the new players. ECQ’s captains had their work cut out for them that evening choosing from amongst the ninety players.

This year’s draft saw a few changes from previous ones. Jake Hines and Paulina Pascual (the Commissioner and Vice President, respectively) wrote a supplemental Combine & Draft Handbook for ECQ over the summer. This handbook clarified the draft pick order and provided guidelines to ensure that the draft led to equal numbers on all intramural teams. ECQ’s last season witnessed various problems as a result of unequal team numbers, so this new handbook sought to fix the problem.

The draft order for the Fall 2013 Draft was based on a combination of the fall 2012 standings and the 2013 Griffith Cup results. Therefore, the order of picks were as follows: Faneuil Falcons, Jamaica Plain Jaguars, Boylston Berserkers, Park Street Pulverizers, South End Slothbears, and the Old North Outlaws.

The first five rounds saw quick, rapid fire picks. There was no hesitation as captains snatched up the players they wanted, and the final pick of the fifth round was chosen from the blind draft. After the fifth round, rounds six through thirteen went back and forth with picks between the Falcons and the Slothbears. These special rounds were included in the draft in order to help balance team numbers. As rosters started to even out, more teams were brought back into the pick rotation. It wasn’t until the eighteenth round that the draft resumed the normal pick order. By this time, captains were slower with their picks as they referenced their notes, looked at player photos, and searched for new players on Facebook.

Over the course of twenty-two rounds, ninety new players were drafted onto an intramural team. After the conclusion of the draft, captains were now allowed to trade picks. Quite a few trades were proposed by various teams, mostly to the Outlaws, Pulverizers, and Berserkers. However, the only trades made were between the Falcons and the Berserkers (two Berserker picks for one Falcon pick), and the Jaguars and the Berserkers (two Berserker picks for one Jaguar pick), respectively. After a bit more discussion, trades ended and the draft officially came to a close.

With a grand total of ninety new players, this Draft may have seen the most new players join ECQ at any one time since the 2011-2012 draft. It will be interesting to see how team dynamics will shift from last season with such a large crop of new players on each team’s roster. Will the Falcons, coming off a winless season, see a revival of their team? Will a full Slothbear roster push the only team to go undefeated in regular season play to post-season success? And will the Outlaws be able to defend their title as the Griffith Cup champions? This fall season will be an exciting one for sure. See you on the pitch!

ECQ Newsletter

Here you can find all of your quidditch related news as well as individual stories, profiles and features dealing with ECQ and the greater Boston Quidditch community.

If you are interested in writing, editing, drawing or anything else you think could go into the newsletter please contact our Communications Director.

These do not have to be solely journalistic articles. Feel free to submit independent work such as short stories or poems too! Anything quidditch-related is welcome.